Apple manufacturer denies smart TV confirmation reports

Apple manufacturing partner Foxconn has denied reports that its CEO Terry Gou confirmed the production of smart television sets for the tech giant.

Gou is said to have outed the project last week during a speech at the start of building Foxconn's new headquarters, according to The China Daily.

Foxconn has now issued a counter-statement refuting such claims. The company says that Gou neither confirmed or speculated over the development of any future Apple products, calling reports to the contrary "not accurate".

The company said in a statement: "In remarks at a media briefing during the groundbreaking of Foxconn's new China headquarters in Shanghai on May 10, Terry Gou, Foxconn's chief executive officer, made it very clear that he would neither confirm nor speculate about Foxconn's involvement in the production of any product for any customer because Foxconn's policy is not to comment on any customers or their products.

"At no time did [Gou] confirm that Foxconn was in development or manufacturing stages for any product for any of its customers. He did say that Foxconn is always prepared to meet the manufacturing needs of customers should they determine that they wish to work with Foxconn in the production of any of their products."

Gou allegedly revealed that Foxconn's partnership with Sharp in Japan was sought to aid the development of Apple's long rumoured "iTV" venture.

Speculation that Apple is planning to enter the television hardware market intensified this week following reports that the Cupertino-based firm is to acquire German television-maker Loewe.

Apple was tipped to release 32-inch and 37-inch smart television sets in the US this year, but subsequent reports suggest that the device will not be seen until 2013.

The iPhone maker is yet to officially confirm plans to enter the sector.